Lynch Creek Farm Dahlias: Varieties, Care, and Buying Guide
When you’re searching for the perfect dahlia, you’ll discover that Lynch Creek Farm offers some of the most coveted varieties in the world. From dinner-plate sized blooms in soft, creamy pastels to compact decorative types bursting with vibrant reds and purples, their collection spans every gardener’s dream. You’ll find that these stunning flowers aren’t just beautiful – they’re also surprisingly manageable to grow, even if you’re new to gardening. Let’s explore how to select and nurture these spectacular blooms in your own garden.
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About Lynch Creek Farm’s History and Mission
Located in the fertile Pacific Northwest, Lynch Creek Farm has grown from humble beginnings as a small family dahlia garden into one of America’s premier flower farms and bulb suppliers. Since their start in 1980, they’ve dedicated themselves to growing the finest dahlias while sharing their expertise with home gardeners across the country.
You’ll find their commitment to quality reflected in every aspect of their operation, from carefully selected dahlia varieties to their sustainable growing practices. They specialize in both classic and rare dahlia cultivars, offering an impressive selection of dinner plate, decorative, and pompon varieties. Their mission centers on helping you create stunning gardens through detailed growing guides, responsive customer service, and guaranteed-to-grow tubers. Whether you’re a novice gardener or experienced grower, Lynch Creek Farm endeavors to be your trusted partner in dahlia cultivation.
Popular Dahlia Varieties and Their Characteristics
Among Lynch Creek Farm’s extensive collection, several dahlia varieties consistently captivate gardeners with their stunning blooms and reliable performance. The dinner-plate ‘Café au Lait’ dazzles with its creamy peach petals and massive 8-inch flowers, making it perfect for wedding bouquets and centerpieces. You’ll find the vibrant ‘Thomas Edison’ sporting deep purple, perfectly formed blooms that add dramatic flair to any garden border. The playful ‘Happy Single First Love’ charms with its bright pink petals and yellow center, attracting butterflies throughout the season. For reliable garden performers, try the ‘Gallery Art Deco’ with its salmon-orange blooms that keep producing from summer through fall, or the pristine white ‘Fleurel’ that glows beautifully in moon gardens.
How to Choose the Right Dahlia for Your Garden
With so many stunning dahlia varieties available, selecting the right ones for your garden deserves careful consideration. You’ll want to assess your garden’s sunlight conditions, available space, and your preferred color palette before making your choice.
Start by determining your growing zone and the length of your growing season, as some varieties take longer to bloom than others. Consider the dahlia’s height and spread – compact border dahlias work well in containers and small spaces, while dinner plate varieties need more room to flourish. Think about your garden’s color scheme and choose flowers that complement existing plantings. If you’re planning for cut flowers, select varieties with strong stems and long-lasting blooms. Don’t forget to factor in maintenance requirements, as some varieties need more staking and support than others.
Essential Planting and Growing Tips
Once you’ve selected your ideal dahlia varieties, success depends on following proper planting and growing techniques that will give your tubers the best start. Plant your dahlias in rich, well-draining soil after the last frost, spacing them 18-24 inches apart in a sunny location that receives 6-8 hours of direct light.
| Planting Depth | Soil Temperature | Water Needs |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 inches | Above 60°F | Moderate |
| Add stake now | Wait for warmth | Weekly deep |
| Cover with 2″ soil | Check with probe | Avoid wet feet |
Monitor your growing dahlias closely, adding support stakes when plants reach 12 inches tall. Feed them monthly with a balanced fertilizer, and pinch off the first set of buds to encourage bushier growth with more abundant blooms later in the season.
Seasonal Care and Maintenance Guide
Because dahlias require different types of care throughout their growing season, you’ll need to adjust your maintenance routine as the months progress. In spring, start fertilizing your dahlia plants every two weeks with a balanced 5-5-5 fertilizer when shoots reach 12 inches tall. As summer arrives, increase watering to twice weekly, focusing on deep root soaking rather than light sprinkles.
Late summer brings peak blooming season, so you’ll want to deadhead spent flowers regularly, stake any tall varieties showing signs of drooping, and watch for common pests like earwigs or aphids. When fall approaches, reduce watering and stop fertilizing to prepare for dormancy. After the first frost blackens the foliage, it’s time to dig up your tubers, clean them thoroughly, and store them in a cool, dry place until next spring.
Ordering and Shipping Information
During peak ordering seasons from January through May, Lynch Creek Farm’s dahlia tubers ship directly to your door in protective packaging designed to keep them fresh and viable. Each tuber arrives carefully wrapped in moisture-controlling material, labeled with the variety name, and cushioned against temperature fluctuations during transit.
You’ll find an extensive tracking system that lets you monitor your dahlia tubers’ journey, and the farm’s flexible shipping options accommodate your planting schedule. For best results, you can select your preferred delivery date within the spring shipping window. The farm’s satisfaction guarantee assures you’ll receive healthy, ready-to-plant tubers, and if there’s ever an issue, their customer service team will promptly address your concerns. Standard shipping rates apply to all U.S. states, with expedited options available for last-minute orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dahlias Survive Winter if Left in the Ground?
While 90% of dahlias die when left in freezing ground, you can’t overwinter them outdoors unless you’re in zones 8-11. You’ll need to dig up tubers after frost and store them indoors until spring.
Are Dahlias Toxic to Pets and Children?
Yes, dahlias are toxic. You’ll need to keep your pets and children away from them as all parts of the plant contain poisonous compounds. While rarely fatal, they can cause stomach upset and skin irritation.
How Long Do Cut Dahlia Flowers Last in a Vase?
While they won’t last forever, you’ll get 4-6 days from your cut dahlias. If you change the water daily, trim stems at an angle, and keep them away from direct sunlight, they’ll stay fresh longer.
Can Dahlias Be Grown Successfully in Containers or Pots?
Yes, you can easily grow dahlias in containers! Choose pots at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Plant one tuber per container, use rich potting soil, and make certain they get plenty of sun and water.
What Causes Dahlia Buds to Fail to Open or Develop?
Nearly 40% of dahlia bud failures stem from watering issues. Your buds won’t open properly if they’re getting too much or too little water, facing nutrient deficiencies, or struggling with pests like thrips.